Probiotics

Probiotics means "for life" and are products that contain live strains of bacteria incorporated into yoghurts, fruit juices or freeze-dried powders, which boost levels of the friendly bacteria in the gut. Probiotics is a big business today, as people become more health conscious. In humans, lactobacilli are commonly used as probiotics, either as single species or in mixed culture with other bacteria. There are many specific areas where probiotics have proven benefit to health so far. Claims are made that probiotics strengthen the immune system to combat allergies, excessive alcohol intake, stress, exposure to toxic substances, and other diseases. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts. Whatever probiotics you choose, you'll need to take them regularly to get the benefit.

Probiotics – what are they?

One widely used definition is that probiotics are "live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics may be found in live yoghurts or specially formulated powders, supplement pills or probiotic drinks which contain one or more of the strains of these bacteria. What are the health benefits of probiotics? Probiotics may also have a role in reducing the severity of food allergies and intolerances, and may help reduce severity of symptoms in both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Is there any evidence that taking probiotics can lead to improvements in health. What are the side effects and risks of probiotics. Despite the difficulties in identifying good quality probiotics, it is reassuring to know that probiotics have a very good safety profile, with almost no side effects reported.

Bowel Bacteria:

The human gut contains different strains of bacteria, some of which are "friendly", such as bifidobacteria or lactobacilli, some that help with food digestion and some that are disease-causing. Bacteria present in probiotics can stimulate the horses immune system through the production of immunoglobins and cells (phagocytes) whose role is to destroy invading pathogens. Bacteria are easily destroyed, so Nature's Best have enhanced the stability of the bacteria by freeze drying them with an acid stable matrix that helps to protect them from stomach acid by up to 50 times. People of all ages on antibiotics would benefit from probiotic products because antibiotics reduce levels of all strains of bacteria in the gut. Some commonly used bacteria in products, but without probiotic effect (yoghurt bacteria): Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus. However, you can make your own probiotic food and unlike manufactured ones, yours will contain live bacteria with less sugar.

Health From Probiotics:

Health food stores and vitamin/mineral suppliers stock capsules and powders with names such as acidophilus. Probiotics are: 'Live microorganisms which help prevent against digestive upset such as diarrhea and to restore the healthy bacterial balance of the body for example after taking antibiotics. Maintenance of a healthy gut flora is, however, dependent on many factors, especially the quality of. to support a healthy gut flora and may be another means of achieving the desirable health benefits promised by probiotics. Food scientists and nutritionists have accepted, relatively uncritically, the concepts underlying the use of probiotics and prebiotics in the promotion of health.Probiotic Definition:

The term "probiotics" refers to dietary supplements or foods that contain beneficial, or "good," bacteria that are similar to those normally found in your body. Probiotic foods and supplements have been found to modulate inflammatory and hypersensitivity responses, an observation thought to be at least in part due to the regulation of cytokine function. Probiotics and prebiotic formulas are continue to prove very popular. Probiotic consists of specific beneficial bacteria to enhance gut flora. Probiotics can go a long way in helping you deal with you digestion problems. Six advanced probiotic strains & prebiotic fibres work on all parts of the small and large (colon) intestines. For your overall immunity, probiotics absolutely essential.

Digestive System:

Probiotics are the beneficial, friendly bacteria that occur throughout the digestive tract. As a producer of B vitamins it helps the body in the completion of its digestive process, specifically in the absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. Research to find out whether bacteria from probiotic products survive in people's digestive systems was published. The study was designed to find out if and where these bacteria break down as they pass through the digestive system. Findings suggests that not all strains of bacteria used in probiotic products survive through the entire digestive system, although at least one strain in each of the products tested survived beyond the stomach. Another part of the interest in probiotics stems from the fact there are cells in the digestive tract connected with the immune system.

Lactobacillus Bacterium:

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is by far the most well known species of probiotic bacteria is Lactobacillus acidophilus which has led many people to refer to probiotics simply as "acidophilus". Strains of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are the most widely used probiotic bacteria. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is a probiotic bacteria that has been receiving a growing amount of attention as a treatment for many illnesses in the form of the GG strain. Lactobacillus Bulgaricus organism is slightly different to most probiotic bacteria in that it is a 'transient bacteria'. Lactobacillus Casei species is commonly found in probiotic dairy foods such as 'live yoghurt', hence the name 'casei' which relates to the milk protein casein. In eczema the best bacteria are lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactobacillus reuteri and lactobacillus GG. In certain cases specific bacteria such a Lactobacillus plantarum and a yeast strain Saccharomyces boulardii widely used in Germany have been shown to benefit digestive disorders such as IBS, however there is no evidence that they colonise the gut, only that they help the natural bacteria to re-colonise.

Prebiotics:

As the potential health benefits of probiotics and prebiotics have come to light in recent years, many people are interested in learning what they are, how they work and the strength of the science behind the claims. Prebiotics can be defined as nutrients and constituents of food which our gut flora feed upon, thus increasing their numbers. Prebiotics include fructo-oligosaccharides, which are found naturally in many plants including leeks, onions, wheat, garlic, chicory root and artichokes where they function as storage carbohydrates, and some other soluble fibres found in pulses, fruit and some cereal products. Probiotics are not the same thing as prebiotics as they are non digestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms already in people's colons. The choice of prebiotics is therefore also likely to grow significantly in the future.

Friendly Bacteria:

They are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria. A favourite food of friendly bacteria is oligofructose (fructooligosaccharides or FOS). Friendly bacteria are living creatures which need nourishment to live and to multiply. Their major role is in balancing and counteracting the unfriendly bacteria. Friendly bacteria to help maintain a healthy digestive system and immunity. Lactic or "friendly" bacteria help to discourage pathogenic bacteria from establishing themselves in the gut.

Our Probiotics are formulated to supply billions of live bacteria and tailored to support distinct health conditions. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast, however lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common microbes used. Probiotics help our digestive system work efficiently and eliminate many unpleasant digestive system symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating in the stomach.